PATinPNS's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.6
- Helpful Votes:4,189
- Reviews Submitted:272
- First Review:February 5, 2013
- Most Recent Review:November 20, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Stop the villainous Visage from ruining Mardi Gras in Shattered Minds: Masquerade, an incredible Hidden Object Puzzle Adventure game!
Overall rating
3
/
5
5 of 5 found this review helpful
Really, Seriously?
PostedNovember 25, 2013
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
This is being written following the complete CE and bonus game.
This was not fun to me whatsoever. There was little if any imagination put into this game. I honestly thought I had purchased the wrong one. It was the same hidden objects that you see in most other games. The only difficulty was I could not get a full screen and I was just clicking and found things I wasn't looking for. You do have some morphing objects to find. I did well with this one. Got 19 out of 20.
I didn't get very far in the demo, but I went ahead and made the purchase, but I would suggest you think twice before doing so.
The visuals and sounds are really good. The music is just my kind of sound so I enjoyed it very much. They did a good job on the hidden objects, except for the screen size.
The challenge was there. The mini games were down right difficult and I already mentioned to the hidden objects. The mini games were killers to me and I skipped as many as I finished. I'm not a pro at this, but I have played a lot of hidden object adventure games and this one should have just been released as a SE. The bonus, as with so many CE games, was not bonus. You repeated the same hidden objects and mini games searching for the about the same things each time.
The story was okay. I got bored with the whole thing and it only lasted a few hours. Pretty short for a CE game. It ended with the prospects of a sequel. I don't think I'll be getting that one.
I don't recommend this game.
You were just about to relax with a good book when a stranger leaves a baby on your doorstep.
Overall rating
4
/
5
8 of 8 found this review helpful
What a Surprise
PostedNovember 24, 2013
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is offered after playing the entire game. I normally don't care for the fair tale games, but I did fall in love with this one.
I was beginning to think that all the designers were using evil scientists, but this offered something new and a bit exciting.The fun was there. The variety of hidden object games were really good and kept me on my toes. I did have quite a bit of trouble with the mini games. Even with the excellent instructions I literally could not figure out what to do with many of them. I guess that's why there is a skip button which I used quite a bit. I'm not saying they were not good games I just could not figure them out. Many were new to me which is good.
The graphics were awesome. The storybook drawings were fantastic as was all the aspects of the art in the game. The sound was very good with the voice overs working along with the story. The music was not boring and it too went right along with what was happening.
The challenge for me was those mini games. I can't wait to play again so I can try and tackle them one more time. I just did not understand what I was to do. The hidden objects were well laid out and varied so that you had to find things within the story to advance.
The map was very helpful as was the hint which refilled rapidly. At times it seemed difficult to figure out where to go on my own, but the map showed me where I needed to be and that was that.
The story was pretty darn good too. It is one you might tell your grandchild on a cold winter's night. It was eerie and offered some plot twists that kept you interested in what was happening next.
All in all this was a really good game. Although it was a fairy tale type game, it had realism in it as well.
I recommend this game!
Life imitates art with deadly results in this thrilling whodunit!
Overall rating
2
/
5
6 of 12 found this review helpful
Hate to Rain on the Parade, BUT
PostedNovember 19, 2013
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
I just played about half the demo and decided this is not for me.
There is no fun factor in this game. I was confused from the very beginning and I honestly like games like this, but this one just doesn't have it. The jumping around, not knowing really what to look for just took the fun out of it.
The graphics are okay. More cartoon than anything. The sound was excellent and the music was not bad either.
The challenge was in staying with the game. Frustration was the challenge for me. I just did not like this game at all. The things you are looking for have a big lock over them so you can't really see what you are looking for, yet when you look at the scene there will be a sparkle to click on to find the piece.
The story was good so far as I got, but you will have to get that part from other reviewers.
This is not a game for me.
I don't recommend this game.
Should anyone ever check in to a place called the Final Journey Hotel?
Overall rating
4
/
5
7 of 8 found this review helpful
Another Great Job by Elephant
PostedNovember 15, 2013
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is written after playing the complete SE game.
Overall this is another hit from Elephant. Just a few little things that caused me problems, but that was solved by that wonderful interactive map. It will be your best friend. I won't go into the story details. They do a good job on that in the description of the game.
All I want to say about the fun is, it was fun! I enjoy a game where it is relatively simple for my simple mind. I really enjoyed playing.
The graphics and sound were excellent. How they do it I will never know, but everything that was meant to be clear was and even the shady parts were well done. The music, which I do turn down somewhat on all my games was not boring and kept with the story and the sound effects were great also.
The level of challenge was good. The hidden objects were very easy. I hate mini games and didn't play that many of them, but the ones I did were, not easy, but I did get them done. They were harder than the hidden objects. The hardest part of the game was knowing where to go next. There seemed to lack a flow to the game. After a while I started playing my own game of where to next, just to see if I was even in the same story. When that failed, the trusty map got me to and fro. The hint button refills quickly and that is a plus.
The story was really very good. It kept my interest from the beginning to the end and I was wondering what would happen next. Somewhere along the line I missed the introduction of the .. thought I was going to tell you, huh, but it was a surprise when that was brought to light.
All in all I did really enjoy this game. My brain isn't scrambled like it is with some games I have played. I think you will really enjoy this. I can't wait to play it again.
I recommend this game!
It should have been a tremendous achievement, but the tunnel through the Ridge of Leviathan became the site of a great disaster. What really happened that day?
Overall rating
4
/
5
9 of 9 found this review helpful
Can We Say Over My Head
PostedOctober 25, 2013
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This review is after playing the complete game.
WOW another great game from Elephant, but I have to admit it was way over my head. I was lost constantly and had it not been for the hint button I would still be in the first scene. I had a terrible time figuring out where to go and what to do so much that it did lower the fun factor for me. There is a map, but like so many Elephant games, it was good for getting around and that was about it. I played in the casual mode and would hate to think what it would be like in the others.
The graphics and sound were excellent as usual. The voice overs added so much to the game. The music and effects were super.
I already mentioned the challenge. It was a very tough game for me, but if you like this type of situations, you're going to love it. The Hidden Objects were well laid out and clear, but they hid them well. Also they have them where you have to leave the HOS to go fetch something if you missed picking it up along the way, but you don't find that out unless you click the hint button. Then you come back to the Hidden Objects and finish it up. I did a lot of that. The mini games were challenging too. I did skip several. I just couldn't figure out what I needed to do.
The story was tremendous. The cut scenes told the story unlike so many where you have to read the story, this one tells it to you. There was a beginning a middle and and ending, but the ending perhaps laid the ground work for a sequel. You will not be disappointed in the story at all. It was very enjoyable.
All in all this is a good game. I have got to figure out how they are putting these together so I don't get so lost in them. It kind of takes the enjoyment out of playing. Having said that, I am not disappointed that I purchased it and will be playing it again. This series while going by the same name, Surface are as different as night and day.
I recommend this game!
Save your niece from the evil presence haunting her school!
Overall rating
5
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
Another Great Grim Tale
PostedOctober 24, 2013
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
This is based on completing the whole game.
I have all the games in this series and this by far was the most difficult in the group. It was fun to do and I'm just glad that hint button was fast. I did seem to lose track of where I should go next, but that was half the fun. Makes you think and if you can't figure it out, just hit the hint and you get instructions as to where you should be or doing. The cast of characters and the twist at the end was really good and fun.
The graphics are excellent. The Hidden Objects were more of a challenge than the mini games for me. The objects are well planted. The voice overs were good and the music went right along with what was happening in the story.
This was the hardest of the series. The Hidden Objects were difficult, but the mini games were less so. The only problem I had with the minis was figuring out what to do at times even with the instructions. Normally I don't like mini games, but these were somewhat different and not the usual click to change everything to a color or place the rings. They also followed and added to the story. This is a challenging game. There is an interactive map. However, I didn't find it as helpful as in other games. It would show things to be done that would not happen until well into the game. I used it more just to move around once I figured out where I needed to be.
I won't go into the story itself. The game explanation does that for you.The story was easy to follow and I was surprised at the ending. It did end, but I'm sure in the CE there is more to it, but I was satisfied. It is written so that the flow of the story keeps up with what you need to do. Just remember where you have been and what has happened and you will get along just fine. The characters were funny at times and I got involved with them.
This is another hit for Elephant and I can't wait to play it again.
I recommend this game!
Rescue a young girl from the Penumbra Motel. Solve puzzles, unravel a long standing mystery of death and disappearances in this heart-pounding adventure game!
Overall rating
2
/
5
1 of 2 found this review helpful
What Happened Here?
PostedOctober 17, 2013
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
I normally enjoy ERS games, but this is an exception. I couldn't wait for it to be over! I purchased the game from the demo, but it as a mistake. The fun was just not there. Trying to figure out where in the world I was suppose to be, doing ridiculously difficult puzzles one after the other, just took all the enjoyment out of it for me. I enjoy adventure games, but this was just not fun.
The visuals were different. When you click on an object, say a door, it comes up and then you click on the lock, it kind of zoomed into view. I thought I was getting vertigo. There are no hidden object scenes in this, so it was difficult to judge the graphics. I would find an area where something was to be and would just click, not really seeing anything, and the next thing I knew it was in the inventory. I hope this isn't a new standard for ERS. The sound was really good. I enjoyed the music along the way and the effects went along with whatever part of the story it was used.
The level of challenge was very challenging to say the least. There is no map, the hint takes forever to refill, and the diary was so so in helping. The goals were good, if you could remember where it was you were suppose to use the knife. There was one part left over, or it was used at the end and I didn't see it used. If there weren't things, doors, jewelry boxes, or something needing a key, there would have been nothing to do in this game. You expect that, but not constantly.
The story line, was confusing and kind of difficult to follow. Maybe I was just getting tired, but it didn't make a lot of sense. There was a beginning, and an end, it was the in-between that was the problem.
If you are a die-hard fan of puzzles and wondering all over in search of something you have no idea what it is, then you will enjoy this game. I see I am out numbered on ratings, but I have to be honest with you, I make a big mistake buying this game.
I don't recommend this game.
Your father was murdered while he was investigating a crime. Travel back through time to save him!
Overall rating
4
/
5
11 of 12 found this review helpful
Wonderful Change of Pace
PostedOctober 16, 2013
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong
Fun Factor
5
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
5
/
5
I bought this game without even trying the demo. I just liked it from the description and the other reviews. Been burnt doing that, but not this time. This was one of the more fun games I have played in a while.
The graphics and sound were excellent. The music went right along with the story and accentuate the action. Voice overs were well done. The designers can take pride in this one.
The Hidden Object Scenes were not very difficult at all. I used the hint once and that was to see how long it was going to take it to recharge. (Forgot to time it... but it didn't seem very long I was so wrapped up in the game). Now the mini games,those were a different story. I did have trouble with them, but perhaps it is my lack of patience than difficulty. I just don't care for mini games. There is an interactive map that is wonderful in getting around, so getting lost is not a problem. The task is a good help too.
The story line is well followed even though I did feel like I was going from reality to a fairy tale and back again. It went from dark to light and back, but so far as easy to follow, it certainly was. I think you will like it.
Lots of fun, searching, roaming around, challenging puzzles, and a cute story, you can't help but like it.
I recommend this game!
Enter the abandoned hotel and find your missing twin!
Overall rating
4
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
For the Adventurer in You
PostedOctober 14, 2013
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
5
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I just finished the game, and what a game it was. I won't go into the story, because that is pretty much explained to you.
The fun of this game is the eeriness of it. The music, story, and the weird hotel that captivates you. I was hooked from the beginning. It was fun to play. Hidden objects were relatively easy as were most of the mini games. Not a fan of the minis so I do skip a lot. I just hate to think anymore.
The visuals are excellent. They used real footage in parts of the game. The sound is good, as were the voice overs. HOS are well done as is all the graphics. The music goes along with the plot and wasn't to annoying.
This is truly an adventure game. There is no map, no journal, nothing but the hint button, which is very helpful and refills fast. You will appreciate that as the time goes on. I think the addition of an interactive map would have earned this puppy five stars. You go from place to place trying to collect papers, documents, and diary pages. Some how I missed one, and I looked, so be on guard.
The story is really good. It is based on a novel and has its twists and turns along the way. I think the book if the book is like the game, it would be a really good read.
If you like figuring out what to do next, where to go, how to do it, you are going to love this game. I don't particularly like that, but this was fun enough that I really enjoyed playing.
I recommend this game!
What happens when the heart turns against itself?
Overall rating
4
/
5
2 of 2 found this review helpful
Sweet Little Game
PostedOctober 12, 2013
PATinPNS
fromPensacola, FL
Skill Level:Intermediate
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Hidden Object, Match 3, Mahjong
Fun Factor
4
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
4
/
5
I really enjoyed playing this little game. Although it is short, it was kind of a relief not to run all over trying to figure out what to do next. It was fun, even though relatively easy. The hint refills quickly, if you even need it. I used it to see how long it took it fill. The map is really helpful and interactive.
The visuals were fantastic. The graphics were clear and the sound was excellent. I admit, I did have a little problem finding a few of the items in the HOS, but probably more my eyes than the graphics. The music wasn't irritating and was right out of any pirate movie you have ever seen. If you prefer you can play a match 3 instead of looking. It was kind of fun to do too.
As I said, it wasn't difficult and proof is I only skipped a couple of the mini games. I just didn't understand what I was to do in most instances and others I just wanted to get it over with.
I won't bore you with the story line. You can read about that before you play it. The story was interesting and someone mentioned in the CE version, there was a better ending, but this ended just fine for me with the ladies racing.. well sailing back to save the boy. I just know those two cooked up some plan to get even with the Barron, but I can leave that to my imagination.
All in all, this is a good game for a relaxing afternoon. I didn't keep track how long it took me to play, but it was long enough for me.
I definitely recommend this game, unless you are a die hard adventure fan and then you might not care for the easy flow of the game. I bought it.
I recommend this game!